France 1 England 1: French media reaction

France's 1-1 draw with England in opening Group D match at Euro 2012 draws
mixed reviews from the French media.

A draw full of regrets, Jérémy Vasseur, Le Figaro"For their first match of Euro 2012, France were held in check by England in a 1-1 draw. Disappointment for Les Bleus who, despite their opponents' opening goal, generally dominated the English and had them in their reach. Just like in 2006, 2008 and 2012, France started the final phase of a tournament with a score of parity.

"It was a disappointing result for France who were eager to regain their honour in the eyes of the football world against an England side struggling in the absence of key players (Cahill, Wilshere, Lampard, Barry). Run under high heat and in a surprisingly quiet Dombass Arena the match struggled to get much rhythm but over time the French 4-3-3, the same system that saw them beat Estonia last Tuesday, grew in confidence.

"Despite the script of the first act, France failed to ignite against an inconsistent England. Largely dominant in terms of possession, the team-mates of Franck Ribery held the ball but a lack of speed in their offensive combos did not allow them to outflank the defensive thick curtain. All in all, France have demonstrated character but the final score will leave a bitter taste in their mouths."

Emery Taisne - L'Equipe."Laurent Blanc didn't know the cause of a draw. Given that the manager had claimed his side were ready, his players were late for their mission. Twenty minutes, thirty if you refer to Lescott's opener. Before that goal Les Bleus were timid. "It's not an excuse but it was very hot," Evra said. The weather conditions were tough, it was 31 degrees at kick-off and the heat was also central to Blanc's excuses.

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"It's easier to defend than attack when it's hot," he said in reference to the English tactics.

"The main reason for satisfaction for France, despite the general frustration, is the reaction they had after the England goal."

France stumble on England, Le Parisien. "Four the fourth time is as many tournaments, France have started their campaign with a draw. But this time Les Bleus scored and can be satisfied with the result against England "the best team in their group" according to Laurent Blanc. From the start, England lived up to their reputation with Gerrard and his team-mates pushing hard before claiming the first goal before Nasri levelled things out.

"It was a tense and stressful second-half for the French public. Les bleus pushed at the English wall but without ever finding a flaw to break through. It was a beautiful frustration then, note France shot on goal 19 times to England's three. That however, is the stat tat will prove pivotal in the race to qualify top."

France will have regrets, Maxime Goldbaum and Erwan Le Duc, Le Monde, "France and England were held to a 1-1 draw in the first Group D match where tension curbed the enthusiasm of both teams and left a painful feeling that, with a little more daring, France would have won. In sweltering heat, mosquitoes galore and an enormous amount of Russia fans, both France and England will be satisfied to have salvaged a point.

"As expected, Blanc's players took control of the match but were desperately short of imagination and speed throughout. France never really made themselves look dangerous and the match fell into a gentle slumber with neither side mounting a revolt."